Foreigners shun star treatment

Tourists giving a slip to five-star hotels, settling for economy accommodation

Foreigners shun star treatment

Tourists giving a slip to five-star hotels, settling for economy accommodation

Scars of Mumbai terror attacks are still fresh in the minds of foreigners visiting India.

The UK, the US and various other European countries have issued travel advisories to its nationals travelling to India, specifically mentioning the threat to high-profile five-star hotels. As a result, they are giving a slip to the usual favourites in favour of low profile hotels and guest houses.

Senior faculty of international business in the department of management, Prof Monash is accompanied by his colleague Dr Helen Forbes-Mewett and has come to India for research on the controversial topic of racial attack on migrants, including Indian students in Australia.

However, the hotel industry was cautious in its response on whether 26/11 is shooing away the patrons.

"It is not only threat perception but global recession has also affected the demand for five star deluxe hotels.

Five-star guests are preferring four or three-star hotels to cut costs. The travel advisories by western countries, including the US and the UK must have also had an impact," said Pradeep Kalra, senior vice president, sales and marketing at Sarovar Hotels and Resorts.

Sanjeev Bhatia of the Metropolitan Hotel begged to differ. He said independent hotels, having less exposure to the international market, are doing well. "Our hotels are more secure and safe and ensure privacy. European and big banner hotels have been somewhat affected after 26/11."

The budget hotels are happy at the inflated business. Sachin Bhalla, who owns two hotels each in Pahar Ganj and Karol Bagh and one at Vikaspuri, said: "There is no doubt that after 26/11, two and three star hotels have become the popular choice of even high-end foreign customers. In fact, we are getting more foreign customers than domestic ones." However, Shivani Grover, PRO, Sheraton Hotel did not agree that foreign clients who even can afford five-star hotels are preferring middle level hotels for security reasons.

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